Category: Silhouette Studio

This week, I put together a birthday card using the Stamper’s Anonymous Bird Crazy stamp set by Tim Holtz and the Stamper’s Anonymous Crazy Things Stamp Set, also by Tim Holtz, but designed by Kristina Werner. I used the Silhouette PixScan mat on the Silhouette Cameo to cut out the images after stamping each of them onto Neenah Solar White Classic Crest cardstock, built a card base using a Stampin’ Up! designer series paper stack and some Doodlebug cardstock, did some simple Copic coloring, and then embellished with Ranger Glossy Accents, Hemptique black twine, and a Wink of Stella glitter pen. I used a Hampton Arts miniature alphabet stamp set for the sentiment and colored in the letters with a Copic marker. You can see the full tutorial for using the Silhouette PixScan mat with the Silhouette Cameo in the video below. Enjoy!

Yesterday, I got the new Silhouette Cameo 2 from my favorite happy mail provider – UPS. I found an awesome deal from Hobby Lobby on the new machine and jumped at it, even though my Cameo 1 was still going strong after more than three years. I couldn’t pass up the chance to try the latest version of the amazing electronic die cutting machine.

Not much changed from the first version to the new version, but the changes are useful and appreciated: new steel spring metal rollers instead of black rubber, blue guide marks that make it easier to align the cutting mat, an awesome new touch screen, a USB port, a blade storage compartment, and a crosscutter. I also love the redesign! The changes are subtle–new lettering, white blade carriage instead of gray–but I like them. There may be more changes I have yet to notice after one day, but these stand out so far.

Today, I had time to play and pulled out some scraps of vinyl and cardstock and started testing the functionality of the new machine. It took no time at all for the front of my machine to be decorated with assorted vinyl embellishments. I also made awesome corner monster bookmarks. (See below!)

So far, the machine operates exactly as it predecessor does, although I swear (and this may be wishful thinking on my part) the machine is quieter. Maybe it’s the crosscutter on the back that contains more of the noise or the spring steel rollers that reduce vibration? Whatever the reason, I really think it’s significantly less noisy than the original. Not that I didn’t love all the bleepy, 80s video game noises, because I did. But it’s hard to complete projects at night when the Significant Other and the kiddo has gone to bed because the machine is loud enough, even in my office, to disturb them. (My daughter doesn’t really mind – she’s 17 and a night owl. But my Dave, he likes his sleep!)

Other than the noise, though, everything else works the same. Crisp, clean cuts in cardstock and vinyl. Easy touch screen interface – I’ve read some reviews that aren’t thrilled with the sensitivity of the screen, but I’ve had no issues thus far.

It is worth mentioning that I experienced difficulty (that resulted in swearing and stomping and hair-pulling-out on my part) getting the Silhouette Cameo 2 to connect to the version of Studio already installed for the Cameo 1. Some of it was operator error, I’m sure. (I’m a firm believer that everything is plug and play, much to my detriment occasionally!) After a little trial and error, I learned that uninstalling Studio and reinstalling with the provided Silhouette Studio 3.2 disk fixed all the errors. After that, I got the message that Studio was going to download 50 free files (some really good stuff, there, by the way) and I was all set.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new Cameo 2 and don’t forget to drop in and download the file for the cute little bookmarks below!

First cut using one of the 50 free files:

(Click here to download the free Silhouette Studio file to create these awesome little monsters. Super-easy art projects for little people once you cut out all the pieces! )

I have a new video tutorial for you! As crafters and scrapbookers, we love our supplies, but we really don’t like waste. Scraps are awesome, but only when they’re big enough to use.

Version 3 of the Silhouette Studio software (Designer Edition) offers a great way to cut multiple objects with the least amount of wasted paper or vinyl…which just means you can cut more, right? In this video tutorial, I stuck to the basics, the default settings if you were to click on the Nesting icon and make absolutely no changes. This is a super simple function and so very useful.

So head on over to YouTube to check it out and while you’re there, give me a big thumbs up if you liked the video and subscribe to my channel for future videos.

About Me

I’m a mom, a writer, a reader, and a long-time crafter of the eclectic sort. Crochet, papercrafting, quilting, sewing: I love it all! I’m short with green eyes and a pug nose. All else, including hair color, is subject to change without notice!

Disclosure

I participate in several affiliate programs, including Amazon and Hallmark Scrapbook, which means I get a small commission if you purchase an item through one of the links on my blog or YouTube channel. My participation in these programs does not affect the prices you see on the items.